There are some fascinating historical perspectives to the two factors that helped define the 2015 legislative session – the intern scandal that drove a House speaker out of office and filibusters that blocked Senate work in the final week.

The story of text-messaging impropriety by House Speaker John Diehl with a college

One of the trends in Missouri’s legislature from term limits has been the growing power of legislative leaders. It’s the exact opposite that had been suggested by some term-limit supporters — that kicking out long-time legislators also would remove leaders who had held dominating power for years. But the resulting large blocks

The Supreme Court’s recent hearing on the legislature’s efforts to deal with the Macks Creek issue reminded me of the complicated history of the legislature’s approach to hidden taxes and budgets. Macks Creek no longer exists, but it has left a legacy that has lasted for decades.

The two deaths in the state auditor’s office mark, I fear, the passing of an era for Missouri statehouse reporters.

State Auditor Tom Schweich and his spokesperson, Spence Jackson, were among the most helpful, open, candid and friendly major state figures I have covered in recent years. They displayed a deep respect

News that Missouri State Auditor Tom Schweich died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot has caused me to wonder about the tough and unforgiving environment that I cover. I worry that what I enjoy covering were factors in his death.

A few weeks before the start of this year’s legislative session, I was asked by a legislative staffer if I could remember when a wave of new legislators had made a difference. The question was asked in the context of the enormous gains voters handed Republicans in November.